An exciting six-part series on all aspects of Growing: planning, planting, production, and pests. Improve your established garden or start growing for the first time. Taught by Diana Schmitt McCall, Garden Manager at Dr. John Wilson Community Garden and Eat Smart Black Mountain. The hands-on garden education features a variety of garden methods: French Intensive, square foot, hugelkultur, no-till and more. These garden-based classes offer an opportunity to review topics from the previous classroom sessions, see these techniques in practice, as well as build your confidence through experiential learning.
Get Growing CLASS 1 in the Classroom: Why you should consider growing organically; important site, size, and design considerations for your garden; growing the soil & nutrient basics; garden seasons; and useful tools will be discussed. Q & A session.
Get Growing CLASS 2 in the Garden: On-site review and real-life examples from Class 1.
Get Growing CLASS 3 in the Classroom : Techniques for starting seeds and transplants; dealing with common problems; how much to plant; composting & vermicomposting; converting your lawn to garden; an edible yard; and maximizing your garden space. Q & A session.
Get Growing CLASS 4 in the Garden: On-site review and real-life examples from Class 3.
Get Growing CLASS 5 in the Classroom: The virtues of mulch; water and fertilization considerations; compost tea; cover cropping and n-p-k; organic disease and insect control; and tips for Fall gardening. Q & A session.
Get Growing CLASS 6 in the Garden: On-site review and real-life examples from Class 5.

Diana McCall manages the Dr. John Wilson Community Garden which is home to nearly 70 gardening families, over 100 fruit and nut trees, mushroom logs, a native species trail and a biodynamic donation garden which produces 4000 pounds of produce annually for distribution in Black Mountain. Her work also includes school garden programs, expanding community gardens in the town, and partnering with numerous agencies and institutions to educate her community on how to grow, access and prepare healthy food for themselves and their families.